The Supreme Court has set aside the conviction of Senate, Peter Nwaoboshi (Delta North) and his sentencing to seven years imprisonment for offences bothering on fraud and money laundering.
Justice Emmanuel Agim who delivered the lead judgment on Friday, also freed the two companies – Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd and Suiming Electrical Ltd – tried with him on a two-count charge brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The apex court in a split decision of four-to-one, set aside the July 1, 2022 judgment of the Court of Appeal, Lagos, which reversed the discharge and acquittal by the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The court held that Nwaobishi and the two companies were unjustly and maliciously prosecuted by the EFCC for committing no offences known to law, who subjected them to needless criminal trial in relation civil transaction.
The EFCC had accused Nwaoboshi and his companies of illegally acquiring a property named Guinea House on Marine Road, in Apapa, Lagos, for N805 million, property said to belong to the Delta State Government.
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The anti-graft agency had claimed that part of the money paid for the property was transferred by Suiming Electrical Ltd on behalf of Nwaoboshi and Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd, adding that the funds are believed to be proceeds of their illicit activities.
The Apex court however ordered his immediate release from Ikoyi prisons in Lagos, where he is currently being held.
(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
